1920 Excelsior Series 20

Excelsior introduced its first motorcycle in 1905 after starting in the bicycle business. In 1910 Excelsior introduced their first V-Twin and by 1911 the company had been bought by Ignaz Schwinn of the bicycle firm that bore his name.

1915 saw the introduction of the ‘Big X’ V-Twin, a 61 CID power plant that would carry on to 1925. The Big X was advertised as ‘the Fastest Motorcycle Ever.’

Due to several circumstances Will Henderson sold his motorcycle company to the Excelsior/Schwinn concern in 1917 and the company would then be known as Excelsior-Henderson. The company set many records and won many races right up until they abruptly ceased motorcycle construction in 1931 in the midst of the Great Depression.

The 1920 Excelsior Series 20 used a 61 CID (1000 CC) air cooled four stroke F head (inlet over exhaust) motor with a three speed countershaft transmission, toe clutch, chain drive and Bosch ignition. 1920 Series 20 got a brand new leading link front fork (rear was rigid), a sprung seat and dark blue with gold trim livery.

This particular 1920 Excelsior Series 20 (ENGINE NO. 107266) is at Heroes Motorcycles in Los Angeles, California and is listed as ‘Mint’. The bike is currently on it’s starting bid of $60,000.00 with a Buy It Now price of $78,000.00